Paul William Gallico was an American novelist, best known for his adventure novel, "The Poseidon Adventure." He was born on July 26, 1897, in New York City to Italian and Austrian parents who had emigrated to the United States in 1895. After completing his education at Columbia University, Gallico began his career in journalism as a sports columnist, sports editor, and sportswriter for the New York Daily News. He gained attention for his coverage of sports personalities such as Jack Dempsey, Bobby Jones, and Dizzy Dean. His sports writing earned him a reputation as one of the most well-known sporting writers in America, and a minor celebrity.
However, Gallico had always wanted to be a fiction writer. He began writing short stories and sports articles for magazines like Vanity Fair and the Saturday Evening Post. In 1936, he sold a short story to the movies for $5000, which gave him the financial freedom to retire from sports writing and focus on his fiction. He moved to Europe and devoted himself to writing, publishing his first major book, "Farewell to Sport," in 1938. Gallico's breakthrough as a fiction writer came in 1941 with the publication of "The Snow Goose," which brought him international acclaim. He continued to write and publish novels, short stories, and children's books throughout his life, with many of his works adapted into motion pictures. Gallico passed away in Antibes, France, on July 15, 1976, just short of his 79th birthday.
Gallico was a prolific and versatile writer, known for his ability to write in various genres, including sports, adventure, romance, and children's literature. He is best remembered for his novel "The Poseidon Adventure," which was adapted into a successful film in 1972, and the "Mrs.'Arris" series. Gallico's works are known for their strong characterization, vivid descriptions, and engaging storytelling. His writing has been praised for its emotional depth, humor, and insight into the human condition. Despite his success as a writer, Gallico remained a private and humble individual throughout his life, preferring to let his work speak for itself.